Welcome to My Room

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-13; 3 John 5-8

“I told Pastor Blake we’d be glad to have the Whitlocks stay with us,” said Mom on the way home from church. “They’ll be here next Saturday.”

“You did?” asked Joy. She thought about it. “That’s good news and bad news—

good news because it’s fun to talk with missionaries, but bad news because I’ll have to clean my room.” Joy’s room was used as the guest room whenever the family had overnight company.

“Wow! Cleaning your room will take a looong time,” teased her brother, Knox.

The following week, Joy worked very hard to get her room ready. After school each day, she spent some time cleaning her closet, dresser drawers, and desk.

On Saturday morning, her mother helped put clean sheets on the bed, and they washed the windows. “Can you think of anything else to make your guests comfortable?” asked Mom.

“Um…flowers!” exclaimed Joy, so she went outside and picked a bouquet. She also set out a candle for the guests to enjoy, and she used her markers to make a “Welcome to our home” sign. “My room is ready!” she declared happily.

Soon after supper, the Whitlocks arrived, and they spent the next three days in Joy’s home. She enjoyed talking with them—and after they were gone, she found they had left her something special. On her bed was a note addressed to her, along with a small package.

Joy picked up the note and read it. “Thank you for your hospitality. You have a special gift for making guests feel welcome. You showed us the love of Jesus by letting us stay in your room, and we now feel refreshed and ready to continue telling others about Him. God bless you!” Opening the package, she found a beautiful necklace that had been made in India.

Joy quickly put on the necklace and hurried to show the rest of the family. “Isn’t this pretty?” she asked. “I love it.”

“Maybe next time I’ll have them stay in my room!” said Knox, again teasing his sister.

Joy grinned at him. “I don’t think this necklace would look very good on you,” she said. “And your room would take much longer to clean than mine!” • Linda M. Weddle

How About You?

Do you show others hospitality? Are you willing to help make guests feel welcome in your home—even when it requires extra work? Do you help new kids at school know where to go? When you show others hospitality, you’re following the example of Jesus, who welcomes all of us into His family. You may not have to give up your room, but you can demonstrate His love by meeting the needs of others whenever possible.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Show hospitality